[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "i%20used%20to%20enjoy%20bbc%20radio%202%20in%20the%20morning%20when%20scott%20mill%20and%20then%20gary%20but%20not%20so%20much%20with%20sara%20cox%20have%20you%20any%20suggestions%20what%20else%20I%20could%20wake%20up%20to%20light%20music%20and%20chat%20and%20also%20how%20is%20sara%20cox%27s%20rating%20going%20since%20she%20took%20over"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "If you\u2019re finding Sara Cox\u2019s new *Radio 2 Breakfast Show* a bit different from what you used to enjoy with Scott Mills and before him, here are some alternative UK radio morning shows you might prefer, along with an update on how Sara Cox\u2019s transition to breakfast is looking so far.  \n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udcca Where Sara Cox Stands Now\n\n- On **April 23, 2026**, the BBC announced Sara Cox will be taking over *The Radio 2 Breakfast Show* from summer 2026. She was chosen to succeed Scott Mills. ([musicweek.com](https://www.musicweek.com/media/read/bbc-radio-2-names-sara-cox-as-new-breakfast-show-presenter/093996?utm_source=openai))  \n- Scott Mills\u2019s final weekly audience figures for *Radio 2 Breakfast* in January\u2013March 2026 were about **6.42 million** listeners, which was roughly steady compared to previous quarters. ([radiotoday.uk](https://www.radiotoday.uk/2026/05/rajar-q1-2026-radiotoday-observations-facts-and-figures/?utm_source=openai))  \n- In Q4 2025, *Radio 2 Breakfast* was pulling in around **6.5 million weekly listeners** \u2014 a strong position, though slightly below its earlier peaks post-pandemic. ([musicweek.com](https://www.musicweek.com/media/read/bbc-radio-2-names-sara-cox-as-new-breakfast-show-presenter/093996?utm_source=openai))  \n\nSo far, since Sara Cox has only very recently taken over, it\u2019s too early to gauge how her show is performing \u2014 but the baseline she\u2019s inheriting is solid.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83c\udfa7 Other Morning Shows You Might Like\n\nSince you prefer lighter music + chat (more than heavy banter or intensive talk), here are some stations and shows you might enjoy waking up to:\n\n1. **Smooth Radio \u2014 *Smooth Breakfast with Jenni Falconer***  \n   A gentler, more music-forward start to the day. Smooth generally plays soft hits and \u201cfeel-good\u201d tunes, especially good for mornings when you don\u2019t want anything too punchy. ([smoothradio.com](https://www.smoothradio.com/london/radio/shows-presenters/breakfast/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n2. **Absolute Radio \u2014 *The Dave Berry Breakfast Show***  \n   If you like a mix of music, humour, and occasional guest segments, Dave Berry offers fun energy without going all talk-heavy. ([hellorayo.co.uk](https://www.hellorayo.co.uk/absolute-radio/station/on-air/dave-berry?utm_source=openai))  \n\n3. **BBC Radio 6 Music \u2014 *Nick Grimshaw Breakfast***  \n   This is a slightly more alternative take \u2014 more music variety, less commercial, and often a mix of newer tunes alongside classics. It\u2019s still lively, though, if you enjoy discovery. ([techradar.com](https://www.techradar.com/how-to-watch/how-to-listen-to-bbc-6-music-outside-the-uk?utm_source=openai))  \n\n4. **Local or Community Radio**  \n   Stations close to your area often have breakfast shows with lower production glamour but more personality and charm. The schedule for Wallingford Radio, for instance, promises a mix of the \u201880s through to newer tunes along with community-orientated chat and listener interaction. ([wallingfordradio.co.uk](https://wallingfordradio.co.uk/index.php/schedule/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0d What to Look for If You Want a Change\n\nIf you\u2019re exploring, think about what made those earlier Radio 2 mornings special for you. Some helpful filters:\n\n- **Music ratio**: Do you want more songs, fewer interruptions?\n- **Presenter style**: Do you prefer a voice that is warm and conversational vs energetic or high-energy?\n- **Timing**: Maybe shifts in breakfast vs. drive-time or mid-morning make the difference.\n- **Format**: Stations that avoid advertisements or are non-commercial often contrast nicely to what you might feel is over-talk on some shows.\n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can pull up sample clips of Sara Cox\u2019s first few shows, or line up a radio playlist tailored to your tastes \u2014 more light classics + soft hits, less chatty/competing voices. Do you want me to do that?"
    }
]